Carver Park Reserve

Woodcocks at the Carver Park Reserve

7025 Victoria Drive
Victoria, MN 55386

Carver Park Reserve is part of the Three Rivers Park district (which is in the west suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area). There is much to do and see in this park including lots of wildlife. During our day there we saw wild turkey, geese, ducks, but the most exciting was the woodcocks. Personally I had never seen one before so it was quite exciting! They say there are over 250 species of birds in the park plus fox, deer, muskrat, beaver and coyote.

The Lowry Nature center, which is located in the reserve, was the first public nature center in the Twin Cities. At the nature center there are over 250 acres to explore on well marked trails – just remember to bring bug spray! You will see bogs, marshes, hardwood forest and lakes on your hike. This is a very beautiful area so plan on spending the day.

There is also a campground in the reserve plus two reservable areas for family reunions or other outings. The reserve is also the home of the Grimm Farm – birth place of the first winter hardy alfalfa in North America! Today it is known as Grimm alfalfa and is the source of all modern varieties of alfalfa grown on more the 25 million acres in the United States and valued at $10 billion dollars annually. (Pretty cool if you ask me!)

So if you’re in the twin cities area and are looking for a fun day out, this is a good place to start! For more information check out the Three Rivers Park District website.